Seona Sommer

“Art Is My Bridge to the World”

In my realistic oil paintings, I explore what makes us human and how we connect. I seek to dissolve boundaries and bridge distances, embracing the richness of cultures, subcultures, and individual personalities while placing emotion at the center of my work. Encounters with my portrait subjects unfold through feeling rather than sight. My paintings invite viewers to meet people in their full humanity. The “other” may fascinate us from afar, yet as we draw closer, differences soften and shared humanity appears. With every brushstroke, I strive to close this distance, capturing what I perceive while emphasizing connection over division. Each portrait becomes both an intimate study of a person and a reflection of our universal experience. I hope my work encourages viewers to see beyond appearances and recognize the emotions we share—celebrating empathy, connection, and the quiet power of understanding.